The Columbia River was crucial for early exploration and trade in the Pacific Northwest, serving as a key route for settlers and fur traders.

Columbia River played a central role in early exploration and trade in the Pacific Northwest. It was a vital waterway for explorers like Lewis and Clark, who relied on it to chart new territories in the early 1800s. The river served as a key route for the fur trade, allowing traders to connect with indigenous peoples and transport goods between the interior and coastal regions. Over time, it became a hub for economic activity, facilitating settlement and agricultural development in the region. The Columbia River's influence on transportation, trade, and regional growth helped shape the Pacific Northwest’s history.